THURSDAY

Please continue to pray for Ruby Travis who is still experiencing pain in her arm. She has an appointment this morning.

Pray for the family of David Ray Hilbun, Sr. His obituary is located on McKneely’s web site.

As we move into the Memorial Day weekend, begin now to thank God for the men and women who gave their lives for our country. Let’s commit ourselves to making our country the best it can be in their memory.

Let’s finish out this week doing our Bible study/research on our own. I hope this short period of selecting out own topic/research has been a growing time for each individual. Remember, “No effort = No progress,”

Spend some time looking over Baptist Press today and reading some articles you missed this week.

If you have not already done so, now is the time to check into/sign up for Vacation Bible School ‘23 at FBC, Kentwood. It impacts the lives of many children and adults each summer,

Please don’t forget to contact or visit the homebound this week.

Thank you for allowing me to “come into your home each day”.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

JESUS LOVES US EVEN ON OUR MOST DIFFICULT DAYS. We all have these days. God loves us even when we have those days.

Issac Saltz is a former student. He recently spent several days in the hospital. He thought he had a heart attack, but was thrilled to learn it was a stroke. Pray for those you know who have through difficult medical situations.

Today, David lost his phone. After cleaning out a public garbage can, where he had just placed discarded fast food paper wrappers, and other first thought steps, we realized we should have called our son who lives in another state. Within a short period of time, the phone was located in the car by using technology we did not know existed.

Today, Ruby Travis fell and broke both bones in her arm. Thankfully, she was able to have surgery, the same day. Notice, the bones were broken, but Ruby didn’t have to wait long for the surgery.

God loves to take good care of us. I am so thankful. I’m sure He probably shakes his head at some things we do. I’m thankful He forgives us many times, and thankful we learn from our mistakes. I’m thankful for medical knowledge that some people possess to help us in times of medical need.

God appreciates when we call upon Him. We are smart and blessed when we do so. I hope I can learn to do so more often.

Many college students are finishing classes and beginning their summer jobs. Please say special prayers for them. We have two grandchildren in those situations. Many of you also do.

June will soon be here. There are many June brides, not in our family, but maybe in some of your families. Let’s pray for all of the June brides and grooms.

DAILY BIBLE READING/STUDY

I hope you are forming a good habit/routine of not only reading, but also of researching in your Bible.

I’ve been continuing my work on a different device. I certainly am not as comfortable as I am on the computer, but I’m still progressing.

Anna Lee

SATURDAY

Goof morning. I hope you have something a little special todo todAy. If not, it’s not too late to make some plans.

Did you follow my suggestion yesterday and do a little research on your own? Hopefully, you enjoyed that. Today, I. Hope you will do more of the same, but I will offer three suggestions, You can continue with the same topic, start a new topic, or dig deeper into yourSunday School lesson. Make your choice and get started this morning. Happy research!

Yesterday was my one year anniversary of the fall that broke both of my feet, I’ve learned a lot about being more careful, holding on to someone or something, slowing down, etc. I certainly appreciate all those who have helped me because sometimes I have been overly confident. When I go shopping or looking around, I have learned my best friend is a shopping cart. I also learned to slow down a little more and even to ask for or wait for help periodically. Knowing and trusting God has been a big encouragement. David has taken good care of me this year, saying i5 was payback for me taking care of him when he needed help.

Today,s prayer focus is on others and ourselves. Ask God to open our eyes to needs around us and give us a desire to help someone/others.

N

Tuesday

I know my posts haven’t been published much, but if nothing else works, I’ll get them all out to you at one time. Technology has not been my best friend lately!

I hope you are doing well with your personal Bible study and learning too. Sometimes, it is best to work on your own on your topics of choice.

Bro. Darryl used Matthew 23: 37 as a reference during the morning message a week ago. You may want to look it up, write it, and paraphrase it. Use your notebook to make some personal notes.

Antietam Guzzardo Keen passed away Sunday with funeral services Wednesday. Her obituary is located on McKneely’s web page. We were in band together at AHS. Her brother graduated with me, but passed away a few years later. Her husband, Dan, and I were teacher friends at IHS. Please pray for her family and her many church friends.

Today’s prayer focus is on all our local young men who work far from home and their families. May they know the love and watch-care of God for them and their families.

If you are unable to attend prayer meeting in person tonight, you can watch the service on the church’s website on Facebook. The time is 6:00 P.M.

Thank you for checking here each day and for praying. Anna Lee

Monday

Did God provide you with a wonderful opportunity to have a good weekend? I think He always does, but we don’t do our party. Today is a day to put on a smile and to put our best foot foot forward. Chose yo have a great week.

How is your Bible study, reading, and research coming? One of my favorite women is Dorcas. Today, I challenge you to find her and to learn what her gift was.

Today, I challenge you to encourage someone from your church. You you can choose a staff member or a volunteer. There are surely enough people who do, or who have done, meaningful things that impac5ed your life or the life of a family member. You can even choose more than one person. Thank them and encourage them to continue serving. You may even think of more than one. Choose your own way of contacting them and thanking them.

If you have not found some ways to serve Him, make this day one of your search to choose a starting point. Prayer may be your best first step.

Have a great Monday,

Anna Lee

Sunday

Good morning. This is the Lord’s day! Let’s start with some Bible study time either at home and/or church. Take time to write something you learn today.

You surely have noticed a difference in my posts. I’m trying to get the hang of a different device. I’m going to work from it until I feel some confidence.

Today, let’s thank God for all the blessings of modern technology, but I also thank Him for all the simple pleasures of daily living such as sunrises, spring flowers, and a gentle breeze. I thank Him for the good days and the not so good days. I’m thankful to be able to thank Him for all the many blessings He has provided me.

SATURDAY

Goof morning. I hope you have something a little special to do today. If not, it’s not too late to make some plans.

Did you follow my suggestion yesterday and do a little Bible research on your own? Hopefully, you enjoyed that. Today, I hope you will do more of the same, but I will offer three suggestions,. You can continue with the same topic, start a new topic, or dig deeper into your Sunday School lesson. Make your choice and get started this morning. Happy research!

Yesterday was my one year anniversary of the fall that broke both of my feet, I’ve learned a lot about being more careful, holding on to someone or something, slowing down, etc. I certainly appreciate all those who have helped me because sometimes I have been overly confident. When I go shopping or looking around, I have learned my best friend is a shopping cart. I also learned to slow down a little more and even to ask for or wait for help periodically. Knowing and trusting God has been a big encouragement. David has taken good care of me this year, saying it was payback for me taking care of him when he needed help.

Today,s prayer focus is on others and ourselves. Ask God to open our eyes to needs around us and give us a desire to help someone/others.

Pray for those who have various needs today – loss of a job, a child moving out of your home, a new baby, a job change, kitchen cabinets almost bare, a leaking roof, a relative with no home or transportation, a new health concern, new neighbors, school changes, children who none more attention, etc. Be a part of the solution. Be a prayer warrior for them without even telling them, a prayer sister or brother, or even pray for unknown needs in families.

Until tomorrow . . . .

Anna Lee

FRIDAY

I’m starting over because I somehow lost my post this morning.

Bible Reading Today: Geta Bible or two, a notebook, and a pen. Do some research on any topic, event, place,or person. Have fun. Learn something new. Write some notes for future reference.

Obituary – Dean Sparks passed away. His obituary is posted on McKneely’s web site. Service will be at Kedron Baptist Church.

Recognition of Graduates – Sunday morning at 10:30 at FBC,Kentwood. If you can’t be therein person, tune in to the church website towards in real time or anytime that is convenient for you.

Prayer Focus Today – Memorial Day weekend is coming soon. Pray that people will focus on “memorial”, not just holiday!

Have a Good Friday!

Anna Lee

THURSDAY

READ THE BIBLE

  • May 18
  • Hebrews 12: 1-3
  • James 1:2-12
  • I Peter 1: 3-7
  • “Being a believer doesn’t shelter me from . . . .”

PRAYER FOCUS TODAY

Today, I pray for young children, nursery and preschool age. I’m thankful they have wonderful teachers anytime our church meets. That allows them to learn so much and gives their parents an opportunity to learn without having to care for their children. FBC, Kentwood has many adults who take turns teaching. They are all good with the children and excellent role models.The children also have a new, beautiful, and functional space in our newly remodeled fellowship hall building.

Parents have a choice about the children being in a special class or keeping them with their parents in the sanctuary. It is a choice parents can make. The choice the parents choose is always right. Also, as children grow, the parents can change their choice at any time.

Let’s pray for the many children who are learning to come to church and for the many volunteers who work with them. If you choose you can observe what’s happening or you can even volunteer to teach or to help the children as needed while someone else teaches.

I think their new motto could be “Come, grow with us!”Please keep the children and the adults in your prayers.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

~Luke 24:49~

READ THE BIBLE TODAY

  • May 17
  • Ephesians 4: 1-24
  • “If my new lifestyle is to reflect Jesus, . . . . “

OBITUARY

John Phillips

August 2, 1933 – May 14, 2023

John Irvin Phillips

A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he died at home Sunday, May 14, 2023. He was 89 and a native of St. Helena Parish. He was a member of New Zion Baptist Church, a cattle farmer, former construction worker, a former Marine, and a graduate of Kentwood High School where he was a member of FFA, the football, basketball, and track teams.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years Marilyn Bridges Phillips; daughter Rachelle and husband Otis “OT” Taylor; son William Thomas “Billy” Phillips; grandsons Phillip and wife Jennifer McDonald Taylor, John Taylor, and Samuel Taylor; great-grandchildren Lena, Lucas, and Lincoln Taylor; sister Anna Phillips Speed; nephew Clifton Thomas Speed, Sr.

Preceded in death by parents William Thomas “Willie” Phillips, Sr. and Lottie “Marie” Pike Phillips; brother William Thomas “Billy” Phillips, Jr.; brother-in-law Clarence Eddie Speed Sr.; nephew Clarence Eddie Speed, Jr.

Visitation will be held  from 9:00AM until time of service at 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at Pine Ridge Methodist Church, 3893 Hwy. 440 Kentwood, LA 70444, with Rev. Michael Townsend officiating and Sharkey Funeral Home in charge of services. Internment will follow immediately after service at New Zion Cemetery.

Special thanks to Community Care Hospice for their help—Ashley Redmond, Ashley Thomas, Dejunna Holloway, Eric Williams; special thanks also to caregiver Joyce Ann Gilbert.

Pallbearers will be Phillip Taylor, John Taylor, Samuel Taylor, Travis Day, Kent Blades, Clint Travis.

Honorary pallbearers are Lyn Day, Clifton Speed, Sr., Jimmy Dale Newman, Barry McNabb, Wesley Blades, Kenneth “KT” Travis, Bobby Travis.

BAPTIST PRESS

https://www.baptistpress.com/

FEATURED ARTICLE

https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/posthumous-book-highlights-clint-cliftons-passions-for-church-planting-flying/

PRAYER FOCUS

Today, let’s pray for trade schools and colleges that will be instructing our current high school graduates next year. Pray for safe environments, motivated teachers, and friends/classmates with a similar focus who will be an encouragement. Also, let’s pray churches will provide a class and motivated teachers so the students have a great class to continue to learn and serve through.

A second prayer focus will be on families as they provide proper vacations for their families this summer. More and more, we are hearing about bad things happening in environments that provide unsafe and nonChristian environments that we do not want our friends and family to be involved in. Choose carefully.

Get out and/or reach out to show some Christian love today.

Anna Lee